Airbag pad for sports clothing and equipment system and method

ABSTRACT

An airbag pad for sports clothing and equipment system including: an airbag pad for sports clothing and equipment assembly including: an airbag pad having a front-surface; a back-surface; and an inner-volume air compression pocket. The airbag pad for sports clothing and equipment system is in integral function combination an airbag pad, being defined by a front-surface and a back-surface. The airbag pad wherein defined by a front-surface and a back-surface contains an inner volume air compression pocket of the airbag pad suitable for use in injury prevention.

This application claims benefit under 35 USC 119 to Canada National Application No. 3,018,929 filed on Sep. 27, 2018, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present disclosure. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art nor material to the presently described or claimed inventions, nor that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to the field of apparel of existing art and more specifically relates to apparel, including side impact torso protector, body cover, and guard or protector.

Related Art

Many individuals play sports. High impact-sports such as football, basketball, soccer, hockey and rugby can cause significant injuries to the body. Sports injuries result from acute trauma associated with athletic activities, which can affect bones or soft tissue and ligaments, muscles and tendons. Both children and adults are susceptible to significant injuries. When participating in a high-impact sport the equipment provided may not adequately protect or cushion the body from external force. Further, sudden external force may cause the equipment to shift, or fail completely, resulting in tissue, bone or organ damage. Additionally, serious injury to the body could prevent the athlete from participating in future sports-related activities. A suitable solution is desired.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,150,048 to Robert F. Buckman relates to a method and apparatus for body impact protection. The described method and apparatus for body impact protection includes active protective garments which are inconspicuously worn by an individual and which activate upon certain conditions being met. Activation causes inflation of regions of the active protective garment to provide padding and impact cushioning for the wearer. The invention is an active protective garment such as pair of shorts or pants, a jacket, a vest, underwear, and the like. The garments comprise multiple layers of material that constrain pockets or regions that are inflatable by a source of compressed gas or foam. The garments also comprise sensors to detect ballistic parameters such as acceleration, distance, relative acceleration, and rotation. The sensor information is used to determine whether activation is required. Detection and activation are accomplished in a very short time period in order to offer maximal protection for the individual wearing the garment. The system comprises a computer or logic controller that monitors the sensor data in real time and coordinates the information from all sensors. The system calculates velocity, distance, and rotational velocity. A rule-based system is used to detect a complex fall in progress and discriminate said fall in progress from the events of everyday life. The pockets or inflatable regions of the garment provide one-time use protection for the individual against falls and other impacts that may cause bone fracture or organ damage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known apparel art, the present disclosure provides a novel airbag pad for sports clothing and equipment. The general purpose of the present disclosure, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide an airbag pad for sports clothing and equipment to disperse force outwardly from a point of impact.

A airbag pad for sports clothing and equipment system is disclosed herein comprising: an airbag pad for sports clothing and equipment assembly including: an airbag pad having a front-surface; a back-surface; and an inner-volume air compression pocket. The airbag pad for sports clothing and equipment system comprises in integral functional combination an airbag pad, being defined by a front-surface and a back-surface. The airbag pad wherein defined by a front-surface and a back-surface contains an inner volume air compression pocket of the airbag pad suitable for use in injury prevention. The airbag is reusable through multiple activities and after impact.

A method of manufacture for the airbag pad for sports clothing and equipment system is also disclosed herein; the method comprising the steps of: providing the airbag pad for sports clothing and equipment assembly as described herein; donning the airbag pad for use in a sporting competition (or practice); adjusting as needing during the course of the event; and removing when the event has ended.

For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and methods of use for the present disclosure, an airbag pad for sports clothing and equipment system, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the airbag pad for sports clothing and equipment system during an ‘in-use’ condition, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the airbag pad for sports clothing and equipment system of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the airbag pad for sports clothing and equipment system of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the airbag pad for sports clothing and equipment system of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of use for an airbag pad wherein defined by a front-surface and a back-surface contains an inner volume air compression pocket of the airbag pad suitable for use in injury prevention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As discussed above, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to apparel, including side impact torso protector, body cover, and guard or protector and more particularly to an airbag pad for sports clothing and equipment containing an inner volume air compression pocket for use in injury prevention.

Generally, the airbag pad for sports clothing and equipment is characterized as clothing or equipment with integrated airbags to absorb external forces such as balls, pucks, or player hits or the like. The safety system is comprised of high pressure air captured within the fabric for the sole use of absorbing external shock, as to protect the body, legs or head. The air pockets are permanently filled and sealed during manufacture, and are at around 90% capacity to provide a deflection effect (as opposed to absorption) while still having some flexibility for movement. The exterior layer is somewhat plasticized, to be harder than just fabric, with the degree depending on the body part covered and the sport (football/hockey would be harder, soccer/rugby softer, for example).

Referring now more specifically to the drawings by numerals of reference, there is shown in FIGS. 1-5, various views of airbag pad for sports clothing and equipment system 100.

FIG. 1 shows the airbag pad for sports clothing and equipment system 100 during an ‘in-use’ condition 150, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Here, the airbag pad for sports clothing and equipment system 100 may be beneficial for use by a user to prevent injury. As illustrated, the airbag pad for sports clothing and equipment system 100 may comprise an airbag pad for sports clothing and equipment assembly 104 including: an airbag pad 110 having a front-surface 112; a back-surface 114; and an inner-volume air compression pocket 116. The airbag pad for sports clothing and equipment comprises in integral function combination an airbag pad 110, being defined by said front-surface 112 and said back-surface 114. The airbag pad 110 defined by the front-surface 112 and the back-surface 114 contains the inner volume air compression pocket 116 of the airbag pad 110 suitable for use in injury prevention. Specific protective equipment incorporating the airbag pad 100 may include jockstraps 140 and knee pads 142. Depending on the sport/activity, other protective equipment (e.g. shin guards, wrist guards) may incorporate the airbag pad 100 as well.

Referring now to FIGS. 2-4 showing various views of the airbag pad for sports clothing and equipment system 100 of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The airbag pad for sports clothing and equipment system 100 preferably comprises a plastic-type material covering of the front-surface 112 of the airbag pad 110, and the airbag pad 110 comprises a synthetic-type covering of the back-surface 112. Additionally, the airbag pad 110 comprises a synthetic-type second layer 118 against the front-surface 112. Other materials may be used. The airbag pad for sports clothing and equipment system 100 comprises high pressure air ‘captured’ (enveloped) within fabric of the airbag pad 110 and sealed therearound. The inner-volume air compression pocket 116 of the airbag pad 110 is configured to absorb external forces. Further, the airbag pad for sports clothing and equipment system 100 comprises a sensory system 120 within the inner-volume air compression pocket 116 of the airbag pad 110. Various sensing means may be used. The inner-volume air compression pocket 116 of the airbag pad 110 provides impact cushioning for the wearer of the airbag pad sports clothing and equipment system 100.

The airbag pad for sports clothing and equipment system 100 comprises an airbag pad 110 that is sufficiently flexible to contour to match that of a helmet 130. The airbag pad for sports clothing and equipment system 100 comprises a flexible airbag pad 110 that is able to contour to match that of sports clothing 132. Additionally, the airbag pad for sports clothing and equipment system 100 comprises a flexible airbag pad 110 able to contour to match that of equipment 134. The inner-volume air compression pocket 116 of the airbag pad for sports clothing and equipment system 100 envelopes and contains high pressure air 136. The high pressure air 136 of the airbag pad for sports clothing and equipment system 100 is able to absorb in-coming shock and disperse force. Additionally, the high pressure air 136 is able to disperse the force outwardly from a point of impact such that it is dissipated rather than injury being caused.

According to one embodiment, the airbag pad for sports clothing and equipment system 100 may be arranged as a set or as a kit. In particular, the airbag pad for sports clothing and equipment system 100 may further include a set of instructions. The instructions may detail functional relationships in relation to the structure of the airbag pad for sports clothing and equipment system 100 such that the airbag pad for sports clothing and equipment system 100 can be used, maintained, or the like, in a preferred manner. Various shaped air bags may be included for different body appendages and for different pieces of equipment.

Referring now to FIG. 5 showing a flow diagram illustrating a method of use 500 for airbag pad for sports clothing and equipment system 100 suitable for use in injury prevention, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular, the method of use 500 may include one or more components or features of the airbag pad for sports clothing and equipment system 100 as described above. As illustrated, the method of use 500 may include the steps of: step one 501, providing an airbag pad clothing and equipment assembly: an airbag pad having; a front-surface; a back-surface; and an inner volume air compression pocket; and step two 502, donning the airbag pad for use in a sporting competition (or practice); and step three 503, adjusting as needing during the course of the event; and step four 504 removing the present invention from the person or equipment when the event has ended.

The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. 

What is claimed is new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims:
 1. An airbag pad for sports clothing and equipment system comprising: an airbag pad for sports clothing and equipment assembly including: an airbag pad having a front-surface; a back-surface; and a inner-volume air compression pocket; wherein said airbag pad for sports clothing and equipment system comprises said airbag pad for sports clothing and equipment assembly; wherein said airbag pad for sports clothing and equipment comprises in integral function combination said airbag pad, being defined by said front-surface and said back-surface; wherein said airbag pad defined by said front-surface and said back-surface contains said inner volume air compression pocket of said airbag pad suitable for use in injury prevention.
 2. The airbag pad for sports clothing and equipment system of claim 1 wherein said airbag pad comprises a plastic-type material covering of said front-surface.
 3. The airbag pad for sports clothing and equipment system of claim 1 wherein said airbag pad comprises a synthetic-type covering of said back-surface.
 4. The airbag pad for sports clothing and equipment system of claim 1 wherein said airbag pad comprises a synthetic-type second layer against said front-surface.
 5. The airbag pad for sports clothing and equipment system of claim 1 wherein said airbag pad comprises high pressure air captured within fabric of said airbag pad.
 6. The airbag pad for sports clothing and equipment system of claim 1 wherein said airbag pad comprises said inner-volume air compression pocket to absorb external forces.
 7. The airbag pad for sports clothing and equipment system of claim 1 wherein said inner-volume air compression pocket comprises a sensor system of said airbag pad.
 8. The airbag pad for sports clothing and equipment system of claim 1 wherein said inner-volume air compression pocket provides impact cushioning for the wearer of said airbag pad.
 10. The airbag pad for sports clothing and equipment system of claim 1 wherein said airbag pad comprises said inner-volume air compression pocket to protect impact injury.
 11. The airbag pad for sports clothing and equipment system of claim 1 wherein said airbag pad comprises a contour to match that of one of: a helmet, a jockstrap, a shin guard, a knee pad, an elbow pad and a wrist guard.
 12. The airbag pad for sports clothing and equipment system of claim 1 wherein said airbag pad comprises a flexible contour to match that of said sports clothing.
 13. The airbag pad for sports clothing and equipment system of claim 1 wherein said airbag pad comprises a flexible contour to match that of equipment.
 14. The airbag pad for sports clothing and equipment system of claim 4 wherein said inner-volume air compression pocket envelopes and contains said high pressure air.
 15. The airbag pad for sports clothing and equipment system of claim 4 wherein said high pressure air is able to absorb in-coming shock and disperse force.
 16. The airbag pad for sports clothing and equipment system of claim 4 wherein said high pressure air is able to disperse said force outwardly from a point of impact.
 17. An airbag pad for sports clothing and equipment system comprising: an airbag pad for sports clothing and equipment assembly including: an airbag pad having a front-surface; a back-surface; and a inner-volume air compression pocket; wherein said airbag pad for sports clothing and equipment system comprises said airbag pad for sports clothing and equipment assembly; wherein said airbag pad for sports clothing and equipment comprises in integral function combination said airbag pad, being defined by said front-surface and said back-surface; wherein said airbag pad defined by said front-surface and said back-surface contains said inner volume air compression pocket of said airbag pad suitable for use in injury prevention. wherein said airbag pad comprises a plastic-type material covering of said front-surface; wherein said airbag pad comprises a synthetic-type covering of said back-surface; wherein said airbag pad comprises a synthetic-type second layer against said front-surface; wherein said airbag pad comprises high pressure air captured within fabric of said airbag pad; wherein said airbag pad comprises said inner-volume air compression pocket to absorb external forces; wherein said inner-volume air compression pocket comprises a sensor system of said airbag pad; wherein said inner-volume air compression pocket provides impact cushioning for the wearer of said airbag pad; wherein said airbag pad comprises said inner-volume air compression pocket to protect impact injury; wherein said airbag pad comprises a contour to match that of a helmet; wherein said airbag pad comprises a flexible contour to match that of said sports clothing; wherein said airbag pad comprises a flexible contour to match that of equipment; wherein said inner-volume air compression pocket envelopes and contains said high pressure air; wherein said high pressure air is able to absorb in-coming shock and disperse force; and wherein said high pressure air is able to disperse said force outwardly from a point of impact.
 18. The airbag pad for sports clothing and equipment system of claim 21, further comprising set of instructions; and wherein the airbag pad for sports clothing and equipment system is arranged as a set or a kit.
 19. A method of use for the airbag pad for sports clothing and equipment system, the method comprising the steps of: providing an airbag pad clothing and equipment assembly: an airbag pad having; a front-surface; a back-surface; and an inner volume air compression pocket; donning the airbag pad for use in a sporting competition as an event.
 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising the steps of: adjusting as needing during the course of the event; and removing from the person or equipment when the event has ended. 